GIFTS for GOD PLANNING GUIDE INDEX Introduction Page 2 Objective 3 Event Options 4 Core Ingredients 5 Job Descriptions 12 The Event 19 Conclusion 29 Appendix 1: Analysis of Giving Pink Appendix 2: Raising a large sum for a Project Green Appendix 3: Training for Contact Yellow INTRODUCTION GIFTS FOR GOD is a programme to teach and promote Christian stewardship. Christian stewardship begins with God’s gifts to us – * Life in his world * Space and time * Strengths and talents * Love and care * The good news of his forgiving and reconciling love in Jesus Christ Christian stewardship challenges us to use God’s gifts to praise him – * To care for his creation * To use time in a productive and balanced way * To make full use of our strengths and talents * To show our love for him by giving generously of our time, talent and money to share the gospel through the worship, mission and service of the Church GIFTS for GOD reflects on God’s giving and challenges us to give to God. It may encourage our giving of time, talent and money, or it may only be concerned with money. You will decide when you consider the next section ‘Objective’. Whether you are concerned with the giving of time, talent and money, or only the giving of money, two very important things are essential at the outset. The first is commitment – * from all the leaders in the congregation – the minister, elders and other office-bearers * to the programme GIFTS for GOD * as an important part of commitment to Christ and his Church The second is enthusiasm – * for sharing the gospel through the worship, mission and service of the Church * for talking about the difference the Church makes to the life of the world * for generous giving to make this difference GIFTS for GOD should not be a painful exercise you have to endure : it should be an opportunity for your congregation to celebrate Christian giving. OBJECTIVE Before you begin planning your GIFTS for GOD programme, it is important that you decide what your objective is. What is the Kirk Session’s vision for the congregation in the next few years? What additional resources are required to make this vision a reality? Answering these two questions should help decide whether your objective is – (a) to increase the regular, committed giving of money; or (b) to increase involvement through better giving of time, talent and money; or (c) to raise a large sum of money for a particular project. At this stage it is helpful to know exactly where you are now as a congregation. The giving profile of your congregation will become apparent if you complete the Analysis of Giving, which you will find as Appendix 1. Please study the notes which accompany this form. It is also useful to know how many of your congregation are involved beyond participation in worship. How many are doing more than two jobs? How few are doing all the jobs? If your congregation has serious financial problems, it is better to concentrate on (a) increasing the regular, committed giving of money. Opting for (b) increasing involvement through better giving of time, talent and money will dilute the message that the congregation needs better giving of money. You can return to better giving of time and talent at a later date. If your congregation needs to raise a large sum of money for a particular project, e.g a building project or a project involving additional staff, please study carefully the Appendix 2. A clear understanding of your objective will help you plan and deliver GIFTS for GOD in the most effective way for your congregation. EVENT OPTIONS GIFTS for GOD should be an important time in the life of your congregation. At the end of a stewardship programme, members of a congregation are sometimes asked about the effect the programme had. Often the first answer is that there is a new ‘buzz’ about the Church. To capture the imagination of the congregation there needs to a special event at the heart of GIFTS for GOD – something that stands out from the ordinary weekly or monthly programme of the congregation. At the beginning of the planning process, it is helpful to know what special event you are working towards … Here are some options: (a) An exhibition of the work of the Church – both the life of your congregation and the national work of the Church of Scotland, which are supported by Christian giving – leading to a celebration of giving at Sunday worship. (b) A meal where members of the congregation come together, eat together, and hear a message about Christian giving. (c) A series of gatherings for members of the congregation, where the objective is explored and the challenge of Christian giving is presented. (d) A conference for the congregation – to share the Kirk Session’s vision and discuss the ways in which Christian giving will enable this vision. You may wish to combine two of these options, e.g. the exhibition with any of the other three. If you hold a congregational conference, it will probably include an opportunity for members of the congregation to eat together. In deciding which event should be at the heart of your GIFTS for GOD programme, think about your own congregation and what will bring together the most people. Don’t be afraid to try something different : this may attract the most people. Further information about planning and presenting each of the event options begins on page 19. CORE INGREDIENTS Prayer Before considering the planning that is necessary for an effective use of GIFTS for GOD it is essential that we remember the context in which this programme will be used. This programme will be part of the life of a congregation and will involve members and office-bearers of the congregation. Any project or venture in the life of the Church should begin with God, continue with God, and be to the glory of God. At every stage of GIFTS for GOD prayer is important. Prayer reminds us of God. Prayer opens our hearts and minds to the word of God and the love of God. Prayer is the channel through which we receive guidance, strength, encouragement and inspiration. We need these gifts from God when we embark on a stewardship programme. Members of the congregation should be encouraged to pray for: * the members of the Planning Group; * the minister as he/she prepares the congregation through preaching on biblical passages about giving; * those who will make personal contact with members of the congregation as they issue invitations and seek responses; * those who will present the message at the main event, and those who will work in the background to ensure that everything goes to plan; * the whole congregation as they reflect on their Christian giving; * a more committed, generous giving of money (or time, talent and money) to maintain and develop Christian worship, mission and service. Some find it easy to pray. Others are willing to pray if material is provided. It can be helpful to provide a prayer for members of the congregation to use. This has the added benefit of creating a sense of unity within the congregation, as members pray for one another and for the congregation, using the same words. Some congregations have developed a prayer plan where members of the congregation are encouraged to pray for particular aspects of the programme on the same day each week. Each of the six ‘bullet’ points above could provide the focus for prayer on one of the days from Monday to Saturday each week. The congregation should be encouraged to pray for the programme from the beginning of the planning process, through the main event, to the point where the congregation gives thanks for the responses received. After that, it is important to remember in prayer those involved in following up the responses and the Kirk Session as it assesses the programme and considers the next step. Preparation Careful preparation is essential if GIFTS for GOD is to be effective in your congregation. The first step is the appointment of a Planning Group by the Kirk Session and Congregational Board : both bodies should have a sense of ownership of this programme. The Planning Group should include people with the necessary abilities for the various tasks : they do not have to be office-bearers. The Minister should be a member of the Planning Group but should not be the Convener. The members of the Planning Group would each have their own responsibilities as well as working together as a team to prepare the whole programme: Planning Group Convener Administration Convener Grants and Trusts Convener (if you are raising a large sum for a project) Publicity Convener Contact Convener Event Convener Follow Up Convener Minister Details of the responsibilities of each member of the Planning Group are given in the section entitled ‘Job Descriptions’ pages 12 to 18. With the exception of the Planning Group Convener and the Minister, the members of the Planning Group are encouraged to recruit others to assist them in fulfilling their particular duties. Timetable The Planning Group should arrange a timetable for the programme, ensuring that the Preparatory Worship and the Event are taking place at the best possible times. It is important that a timetable for the whole programme is worked out at the beginning. Every effort should then be made to stick to this timetable. The timetable should be based on the following outline: Initial Planning Meeting 6 months before the Event (with meetings at least monthly thereafter) Recruitment of Contact People Should be completed 2 months before the Event Advance Notice Monthly flyers/newsletters – final issue 6 weeks before Event PREPARATORY SERVICES 4 Sundays before the Event (or intermittently over a longer period) Training of Contact People 3 weeks before the Event Commissioning of Visitors Sunday before Invitation Contact Invitation Contact 2 weeks before the Event (completed 1 week before Event) THE EVENT Delivery of Brochure to those who did not attend Event Week following the Event Response Contact 2 weeks after the Event Follow Up Should begin as soon as responses are received and be completed within 6 weeks THANKSGIVING SERVICE 4 weeks after the Event Contact Feedback Within 6 weeks of the Event Assessment About 3 months after the Event Teaching Christian Giving Christian giving has a biblical and theological foundation. As members and adherents understand this more clearly and more fully, they will think of their Christian giving as an integral part of their Christian faith and commitment. The Minister’s main role as a member of the Planning Group is to take responsibility for teaching Christian giving as a core ingredient in GIFTS for GOD. Study groups in the congregation may be encouraged to use the Bible Study material produced by the Stewardship and Finance Committee – ‘The Bible teaches … GIVE - Explore some Biblical models for Giving …’ and ‘Christian Stewardship Bible Studies – God’s Gifts for living in God’s World, God’s Gifts to be used in God’s Way, God’s Gifts for God’s Church.’ It is very helpful if the Minister leads worship on a ‘giving’ theme on the four Sundays prior to the main event in GIFTS for GOD. If the programme is focussing on the giving of money, two possible sets of themes are: 1 First Fruits and Tithes (Nehemiah 10: 35-39) Sharing (Acts 4: 32-27) Sacrifice (2 Corinthians 8: 1-15) Created in the image of a giving God (Genesis 1: 26-31) 2 The Rich Fool (Luke 12: 13-21) The Rich Young Man (Luke 18: 18-25) The change in Zacchaeus (Luke 19: 1-10) The Widow’s Offering (Luke 21: 1-4) If the programme is focussing on the giving of time, talent and money, this is a possible set of themes: Gifts from God (Psalm 145) Time (Luke 10: 25-42) Talent (Matthew 25: 14-30) Money (2 Corinthians 9: 1-15) The purpose of leading worship on ‘giving’ themes is to encourage members and adherents to think about what the Bible is saying about giving. Sermons on these themes should be expository and explanatory, rather than occasions to call for better giving. The main event in GIFTS for GOD is the time to challenge members and adherents to give more generously. Personal Contact with Members and Adherents How do you intend to invite members and adherents to the main event at the heart of your GIFTS for GOD programme? How do you intend to obtain responses from members and adherents to the message of your GIFTS for GOD programme? Personal contact with members and adherents is the best way. This will probably mean recruiting a considerable number of visitors. Some congregations have successfully contacted their members and adherents by telephone. Contact by letter should only be considered as a last resort. If you have to make contact in this way, it is vital that the letter attracts the reader if it is to be in any way effective. There may be good pastoral reasons why it would be insensitive to visit certain members and adherents – consult the Minister about this. Training Training promotes confidence. This is particularly important for those who will make personal contact with members and adherents during the GIFTS for GOD programme. Whether they are visiting people in their homes or calling them by telephone, they need to know what is expected of them, what questions may be asked, what difficulties may be encountered. A training session will equip them to make personal contact with members and adherents confidently and effectively. Please study Appendix 3 for further details about the content of a training session. Some guidance and training may also be required for others involved in delivering GIFTS for GOD. It is important that those writing material to be issued to members of the congregation and those speaking or making multimedia presentations at the event are ‘on message’ as far as the Planning Group is concerned. It is always advisable to have a rehearsal for those involved in sharing the message at the event. Material GIFTS for GOD will require various pieces of material to communicate the Christian stewardship message. You will probably need to produce: * flyers/newsletters, to give brief advance notice to members and adherents and to report the results of the programme to the congregation; * prayer card for use by members and adherents; * an invitation to the main event in your programme (with RSVP to advise numbers for a meal or transport requirements for any event); * a brochure to portray the sharing of the gospel through the worship, mission and service of your congregation and the Church of Scotland as a whole; * a response card, to provide members and adherents with an opportunity to commit themselves to better giving of money (or time, talent and money). You may also wish to produce: * posters to advertise the programme and its message; * a DVD (or video) for use at the main event. This appears to be a great deal of material, but members with computer skills are often pleased to be asked to design and produce what is required. Some congregations have looked at material used by other congregations and found ideas for their own material. Some general stewardship material, such as Giving for the Gospel, Christian Giving is Sacrificial Giving, Gift Aid is Good News and A Gift to the Church in your Will is produced by the Stewardship and Finance Committee. The most important things about material for a stewardship programme are: * It must be visually attractive. * Its content must be presented in an imaginative way. * The stewardship message must be clear. The material you produce will be competing for attention with professionally produced material from companies and other charities. Responses and Follow Up If GIFTS for GOD is to be an effective means of resourcing and developing the life of your congregation, it is important that all members and adherents have the opportunity to respond to the Christian stewardship message. A response card should provide the opportunity for members and adherents to declare their intention to give a specific sum of money each week or each month. If you are looking for more involvement through better giving of time, talent and money, the response card should contain a list of opportunities to be involved, e.g. helping with children’s ministry, providing transport to Sunday worship, delivering the Church newsletter/magazine. It should also provide space for members and adherents to indicate their particular skills and strengths, and their suggestions to develop the life of the congregation. The gifts of the people should shape the life of the congregation : these skills and strengths should not be forced to fit an existing structure. There is no point in receiving responses from members and adherents if these are not followed up promptly. To be fully effective the follow up should be through personal contact and the outcome noted – to ensure that no opportunities are missed. In the history of the Church many special efforts have been less effective than they should have been through lack of follow up. In GIFTS for GOD you hope to enthuse members and adherents to commit themselves more fully to Christ and the Church. This new enthusiasm can wane quickly if there is not prompt follow up to offers that are made. Thanksgiving When responses are received, it is time – * to give thanks to God for his guidance, strength, support and encouragement throughout the programme; * to give thanks to God for the work of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of members and adherents to prompt better giving of money (or time, talent and money). It is an important symbolic act to offer to God the responses of members and adherents in the context of Sunday worship. A Thanksgiving Service is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Christian giving and commemorate a sense of renewal in the life of the congregation. JOB DESCRIPTIONS Planning Group Convener The Planning Group Convener is responsible for co-ordinating the work of the Planning Group. He/she is the leader of a team. Leadership skills will be very important in encouraging other members of the Planning Group and ensuring that their various duties are completed on time. Checklist of responsibilities: 1 Draft timetable for approval by the Planning Group; 2 Ensure adherence to the agreed timetable; 3 Prepare agenda for each meeting of the Planning Group; 4 Liaise with other members of the Planning Group; 5 Co-ordinate arrangements for presentations and speakers at the Event; 6 Ensure that all aspects of the programme take account of members and adherents with disabilities, e.g. those whose sight or hearing is impaired, those who need to use a wheelchair. 7 Report progress to the Kirk Session during the planning and preparation period. 8 Ensure adherence to an agreed budget for the programme. 9 Report the Planning Group’s assessment of the programme to the Kirk Session and ensure that the outcome of the programme is communicated to the congregation (see section entitled ‘Conclusion’ on page 27). Administration Convener The Administration Convener is the support person for the other members of the Planning Group. He/she will provide the information that others require to fulfil their duties. Checklist of responsibilities: 1 Record and distribute minutes of Planning Group meetings; 2 In consultation with the Roll Keeper, update the Communion Roll, and compile a list of adherents who are regular worshippers; 3 Book the accommodation required throughout the programme; 4 Make arrangements for equipment that may be required at some meetings, e.g. data projector and screen; 5 Order items required from the Stewardship and Finance section of the Church Offices, e.g. Visitor Packs; 6 Arrange the distribution of the flyers/newsletters; 7 If the event is a series of gatherings or a conference, prepare a list of members and adherents to record those who make their response at the event; If contact is to be made with members and adherents through visits to their homes, please note 8, 9 and 10 - 8 In consultation with the Contact Convener, divide the list of members and adherents into districts for Visitors, taking account of the following criteria – (a) Each district should not exceed 10 homes (less in rural areas); (b) Districts should be arranged on a geographical basis; (c) Some districts should be suitable for morning/afternoon visits only; 9 Prepare four copies of each District List – one for the Visitor, one for the Visitor Team Leader, one for the Contact Convener, and one for yourself; 10 Prepare for each visitor an information pack, which will include the list of people to be visited, other local material relating to the programme, and the Visitor’s Pack referred to in 5 above; If contact is to be made with members and adherents through telephone calls, please note 11 and 12 - 11 Divide the list of members and adherents into groups of 25 homes, and in liaison with the Contact Convener ascertain the telephone number for each home; 12 Prepare three copies of each list of 25 homes – one for the caller, one for the Contact Convener, and one for yourself. Grants and Trusts Convener (if you are raising a large sum for a project) The Grants and Trusts Convener is responsible for raising awareness of your project with Grant making bodies and Trusts, both locally and nationally. He/she is also responsible, with others, for designing appropriate materials that explain the project you are undertaking. Checklist of responsibilities: 1 Identify grant making bodies and trusts through your Presbytery, local Library, Council Offices and the Directory of Social Change material. 2 Design a brochure that contains all the relevant information about the project, including details of the costs and how the church is seeking to raise the money. 3 Identify some patrons for your appeal that could add their support to your applications. 4 Draft a covering letter that makes a clear request to the trusts and grant making bodies for a specific sum of money. 5 Make phone calls to trusts and grant making bodies to ascertain if your project fits their criteria prior to sending the brochure and letter. 6 Make follow up phone calls once the application is submitted. 7 Design, in conjunction with the Publicity Convener, a multi media presentation about your project that could be used in a presentation to a Grant making body or Trust. 8 Keep a database of all applications made, and their status as applications proceed. 9 Be aware of the following: (a) Most trusts and grant making bodies have deadlines for applications – some only meet once or twice during the year; (b) Most trusts and grant making bodies will want to know the financial contribution being made by the applicant; (c) Most trusts and grant making bodies will not award money retrospectively – early application is recommended. 10 Remember to thank trusts and grant making bodies that award money to your project. Publicity Convener The Publicity Convener is responsible for raising awareness of the programme within the congregation and communicating through literature the challenge of the programme. Checklist of responsibilities: 1 Be aware of different means of publicity and communication – leaflets, posters, DVD, video, PowerPoint, magazine articles, intimations at worship, local press, local radio; and make the most appropriate use of these during the planning period and at the time of the Event; 2 Prepare Prayer cards for use by the congregation; 3 Draft Newsletter(s) to members of the congregation for approval by the Planning Group and make arrangements for this to be printed; 4 Examine material produced by the Stewardship and Finance Committee and ask the Administration Convener to order items required; 5 Design Invitation and Response cards/leaflets for approval by the Planning Group and make arrangements for these to be printed; 6 Draft Church Brochure, containing information about the life of the congregation, its contribution to the work of the Church of Scotland as a whole, and the purpose of the programme, for approval by the Planning Group and make arrangements for this to be printed (see section on Message on page 27); 7 Prepare material required for presentations at the Event. Contact Convener The Contact Convener should be someone with good ‘people’ skills and someone who is able to recognise such skills in others. The main duties will involve the recruiting and training of those who will make personal contact with members of the congregation. Checklist of responsibilities: If contact is to be made with members and adherents through visits to their homes, please note 1 to 7 - 1 In consultation with the Administration Convener, determine the number of visitors required for the programme – 1 visitor per 10 homes; 2 Recruit Visitor Team Leaders,1 Team Leader per 8-10 visitors, as soon as possible; 3 Arrange a training session for Team Leaders as soon as they have all been recruited; 4 Prepare a list of potential visitors (at least 50% more than you require) and divide this list among the Team Leaders; 5 Prepare a timetable for visitors – this will include the times for a training session, invitation and response visits, and visitor feedback; 6 Recruit visitors through the Team Leaders; 7 Arrange a training session for visitors – this may need to be offered at more than one time to accommodate all visitors; 8 Be available for advice and assistance to visitors and Team Leaders throughout the period of the visits; 9 Liaise with the Follow Up Convener to ensure that visitors return Responses from members and adherents promptly. If contact is to be made with members and adherents by telephone, please note 10 to 14 - 10 Ensure that the Planning Group has informed members and adherents that contact will be made by telephone; 11 In consultation with the Administration Convener, determine the number of callers required for the programme – 1 caller per 25 homes, and prepare a list of names and telephone numbers for each caller (with space to indicate that the call has been made and the caller has spoken to the member or adherent); 12 Recruit callers – people with clear speaking voices; 13 In consultation with the Planning Group Convener, prepare a script for both the invitation and response calls; 14 Prepare a timetable for callers – this will include times for a training session, for invitation and response calls, and for a caller feedback. Please study Appendix 3 for details of the training required for those who will contact members and adherents. Event Convener While most conveners will benefit from having a team with whom to share the various duties, the Event Convener must have such a team : one person cannot carry out all that is involved in organising the Event itself. The checklist of responsibilities largely depends on the Event which is to be at the heart of the programme in your congregation. It will always include the following: 1 Consider the most appropriate venue for the Event, check availability, and advise the Planning Group; 2 Make provision for children’s activities during the time of the Event – this should be delegated to a member of your team to organise, remembering the Child Protection regulations adopted by the Church of Scotland; 3 Make transport arrangements for those who require this to be able to attend the Event – this should be delegated to a member of your team to organise. Please study carefully the section of the Planning Guide ‘The Event’ (pages 19 to 26) and note all that is required for the particular Event (or combination of Events) chosen by the Planning Group. Follow Up Convener The Follow Up Convener has the unenviable task of starting work when most of the other members of the Planning Group have almost completed their duties. However, follow up is vital if the programme is to bear fruit in the life of the congregation. The hopes and expectations of members and adherents will be raised by the programme. Do not frustrate them or anger them by poor follow up. There should be a quick response to members’ offers of assistance, requests for help, and any other responses they make. This means that the Follow Up Convener should have a team of people who are able to process members’ responses quickly and efficiently. Checklist of responsibilities: 1 Prepare a ring binder or computer spreadsheet for each item that appears on the Response card; 2 Identify the appropriate people within the congregation to whom requests about the offering of money should be forwarded, e.g. Gift Aid Convener, Freewill Offering Convener; and advise them that they will receive names and addresses of people to be contacted as soon as possible after you receive them; 3 Identify the appropriate person within the congregation to whom particular offers of involvement should be forwarded, e.g. Youth Leader, Organist, Pastoral Care Convener; and advise them that they will receive names and addresses of people to be contacted as soon as possible after you receive them; 4 Look for feedback from those to whom you have passed names and addresses (in 2 and 3 above) to ensure that action has been taken; 5 Pass requests for pastoral care to the Minister immediately; 6 Pass comments about the life of the congregation, critical or otherwise, to the Planning Group Convener, for inclusion in a report to the Kirk Session; 7 Prepare a report for the Planning Group on the responses and comments received from members and adherents. Where members and adherents offer a skill or talent which does not readily fit in to the existing pattern of congregational life, thought should be given to ways in which this skill or talent might be used in the life of the Church. This might be considered within the Planning Group in the first instance. If there is to be some delay before personal contact can be made, a letter acknowledging the response of a member or adherent should be sent. THE EVENT If you have already decided which of the event options will be at the heart of your GIFTS for GOD programme, please read carefully the practical guidance which is given for that event. If you are still uncertain about the event for your GIFTS for GOD programme, or are considering a combination of more than one event, please read carefully this whole section. Whichever event option you choose, please study the final part of this section, which is entitled Message. This provides general guidance about the Christian stewardship message you will be communicating at your chosen event. Exhibition The exhibition is a celebration of the giving of time, talent and money in the past and the present, and an event which should inspire such giving in the future. The exhibition should be a display of * the life of the local Church, * the work of the Church of Scotland – in Scotland and as part of the World Church, * plans for the future. The exhibition should inform, motivate and encourage members and adherents to think about the work of the church and the ways in which their giving might support that work. The exhibition needs to be well planned, with colourful displays that are not too cluttered, and it should have a natural progression throughout. The exhibition is a good event to attract children and those in the community who have little or no connection with the Church. Begin your planning by listing all the groups, activities and organisations that take place within the life of the congregation. This will vary from congregation to congregation, but likely to be in this section are the Guild, Sunday School, Uniformed Organisations, other youth groups, craft groups etc. The committees of the Kirk Session and Congregational Board should also be listed in this section, as each one should be invited to take part. Remember to include outside groups that use your buildings and other areas of work in which you are involved, e.g. Christian Aid and Traidcraft. Each of the groups and activities listed should be approached to take part in the exhibition. Some will want to design their own display, others will ask for your help and assistance. You will need to decide what area is available for the displays and allocate space to each group. Display equipment may be available from local councils, schools or from the Church Offices in Edinburgh. You may wish to produce a DVD (or video) of the life of the congregation that includes worship, meetings, youth and adult activities. (You must adhere to Child Protection guidelines regarding photographs, DVDs and videos which include pictures of children.) This would be on view throughout the time of the exhibition. Producing a DVD (or video) can also be useful to show to housebound members who may not be able to get to the exhibition. Using computer technology is another way of conveying the story of the congregation and can be part of an interactive section of the exhibition. The Planning Group should spend some time considering (along with the Kirk Session) what new work, groups, activities or plans could be included in the exhibition and brochure. For example you may want to start a new youth group, a pastoral care team or a card and book stall. Tell people the vision for these ideas and show them the possibilities. The work of the Church of Scotland extends beyond the life of the congregation. Part of the exhibition should relate to the work of the Councils of the General Assembly: * Church and Society * Ministries * Mission and Discipleship * Social Care (CrossReach) * Support and Services * World Mission The Stewardship Consultant for your area has a portable exhibition, featuring some of the work of the Councils of the General Assembly. This should be booked as early as possible if you wish to use this. Otherwise, gather your own material through the Council Secretaries. There may also be projects undertaken by your Presbytery, which could feature in the exhibition. Do not forget the national projects sponsored by the Guild. A checklist for the exhibition: 1 Are all the displays easy to read and colourful? 2 Is there ample space around each section of the display? 3 Are there people available to explain the different sections? 4 Are handouts available for people to pick up? 5 Is there a variety of topics and themes, something for all ages? 6 Have you used different ways of presenting the message – static displays, videos, slide presentation, competitions for children and demonstrations? If the exhibition is the Event in your GIFTS for GOD programme (and not being combined with a meal, gatherings or a conference), the days of the exhibition should lead up to a Celebration Sunday, when an act of worship is a celebration of giving – giving that enables the sharing of the gospel through the life and work of the Church. Meal The meal is an opportunity for families (not just members and adherents, but whole households) within the congregation to sit around tables, eat together and get to know one another. It is also an opportunity to share a message about the Church, its worship, fellowship, mission and service, and the importance of giving to maintain and develop its life and work. The sharing of the meal and the sharing of the message should be given equal prominence and equal time in the programme for the evening(s). It is important that there is a realistic timetable for the evening(s) when the meal takes place. Please remember that people of all ages will be present, and the evening(s) must conclude at an appropriate time. Inviting people to arrive from 7.00pm, beginning the meal at 7.30pm, and concluding the evening(s) by 9.30pm, is a good framework for the meal. The meal should not require more than one hour to serve and eat : this means that it should not be more than two courses. Those who speak or make presentations in the second half of the evening(s) should be given time limits. A few short presentations, with more than one voice and a variety of communication methods, are more effective than one or two lengthy presentations. If you use multimedia equipment, please ensure that those making presentations in this way have tested the equipment and are both competent and confident about using it. Words and pictures projected on to a screen must be large enough for everyone to be able to see and read. A rehearsal for all those involved in sharing the message is essential. SAMPLE PROGRAMME 7.00pm People begin to arrive and are welcomed by members of the Planning Group 7.30pm Welcome from Planning Group Convener 7.35pm Meal 8.30pm Short break, during which the children move to another room 8.40pm Introduction to the presentations 8.45pm Two or three short presentations on the life of the Church, in different formats, to inform and challenge all who are present 9.15pm Looking forward – the congregation’s vision 9.25pm Planning Group Convener outlines the next stage of the programme and the brochures are issued at the tables 9.30pm Benediction A checklist for the meal: 1 Discuss with the Planning Group the number likely to attend (50% of those invited is a useful guideline) and whether the meal will be on one or two evenings; 2 Be aware of the requirements of the current regulations about preparing and serving food; 3 Consider the most appropriate venue for the meal and check availability; 4 Consider the method of catering – outside caterers or members of the congregation (the latter will require the recruitment of a number of people, some to prepare and serve the food, others to clear away and wash dishes); 5 Consider the method of serving – table service or buffet (the latter requiring a number of serving locations in the hall to allow quick and efficient service); 6 Decide the menu, remembering – a) there will be children present, b) there will be vegetarians present, c) only two courses can be served and eaten within the hour allocated to the meal in the programme; 7 Consider what will be required in terms of crockery, cutlery, glassware, tables and chairs (high chairs if required), and whether you will need to hire additional items or could borrow from other church or community groups in your area; 8 Consider what will be required in terms of washing up liquid, dish cloths and bin bags; 9 Consider table decorations; 10 Consider cloakroom arrangements and signs to toilet facilities; 11 If you have invited members and adherents through visitors, use the visitors as hosts at the tables, as it is good to have the visitor sitting with those whom he/she has invited; 12 Make arrangements for adjacent accommodation where the children can enjoy activities while the presentations and speeches are taking place – this should be delegated to a member of your team to organise, remembering the Child Protection regulations adopted by the Church of Scotland; The number of items on the above checklist shows how important it is that the Event Convener has a team among whom duties may be shared. The above checklist does not refer to the programme of speeches/presentations after the meal. These should be organised by the whole Planning Group, taking particular account of numbers 6, 7, 8 and 9 in the checklist for gatherings (page 24). Gatherings A series of gatherings provides members and adherents with an opportunity, not only to hear the message of your GIFTS for GOD programme, but also to ask questions and make comments. Please note that members and adherents are invited to attend one gathering. The number of gatherings will depend on the size of the congregation. The maximum attendance may be achieved if they are not all held in one week and at least one is scheduled for a morning or afternoon. When issuing the invitations it may be helpful to include a reply slip which will give an indication of the number attending on each occasion. An alternative method would be to invite a number of elder’s districts to a particular gathering, with the option of coming to a different gathering if the day and time are not convenient. SAMPLE PROGRAMME 7.00pm People begin to arrive, are welcomed by members of the Planning Group, and have the opportunity to view displays of the life of the Church, which is supported by Christian giving. 7.30pm Welcome, followed by a brief act of worship focusing on Christian giving as a response to God’s gifts of life and love. 7.40pm The congregation’s objective in GIFTS for GOD. 7.45pm A presentation on ‘Sharing the Gospel’ through giving to support the worship, mission and service of the Church. (The form of this presentation will depend on the congregation’s objective – the giving of money, or the giving of time, talent and money. If the congregation’s objective is giving to fund a special project, the statement about the objective and the presentation would probably be a single item on the programme.) 8.15pm Questions and Comments 8.30pm Response cards are issued and explained. The arrangements for returning these should be outlined. (At this point guidance will be given about Offering Envelopes, Standing Orders and Gift Aid.) 8.40pm Questions and Comments. 8.45pm A challenge to respond by giving generously and a closing prayer. A checklist for the gatherings: 1 Discuss with the Planning Group the number of gatherings to be held and the dates and times for these gatherings; 2 Discuss with the Planning Group the part(s) of the Church/Hall complex to be used for the gatherings; 3 Consult with leaders of organisations that may have to be displaced to accommodate the gatherings – do this as soon as the dates have been agreed; 4 Consider the format for the gatherings; 5 Organise, in consultation with the Minister, the leading of worship at the beginning of each gathering; 6 Identify the speakers required (these should be members of the congregation) and invite them to participate, ensuring that they understand the objective of programme and what is expected from them in terms of time and content; 7 Make a list of the equipment required, e.g. data projector, laptop, DVD (or video) player, screen, and ask the Administration Convener to make arrangements for these to be available – please remember that everyone must be able to see what is projected on to a screen; 8 Consider the need for a public address system – everyone must be able to hear what is said; 9 Arrange a display of the life of the Church around the perimeter of the hall – showing aspects of the current life of the congregation and aspects of the national and global work of the Church of Scotland; 10 Make arrangements for the serving of tea and coffee at the end of each gathering; 11 Obtain Response cards, brochure and other relevant material from the Publicity Convener for distribution at the gatherings; 12 Make arrangements for the completion and return of Response Cards at the end of each gathering, ensuring that a record is kept of those who have responded and do not require a further visit or telephone call. The number of items on the above checklist shows how important it is that the Event Convener has a team among whom duties may be shared. Conference A day conference will provide the opportunity for a more in-depth presentation and consideration of the objective in your GIFTS for GOD programme. The main features would probably include: * Worship * Plenary sessions * Group discussion * The fellowship of eating together You need to ensure that there is enough space, both for plenary sessions and group discussion, within your Church premises or at the conference venue if it is elsewhere. You also need to balance the opportunity for a more in-depth presentation and consideration with the reality that you may reach fewer members and adherents through a congregational conference. SAMPLE PROGRAMME 10.00am Coffee and Tea as people arrive 10.30am Word of welcome, with necessary announcements relating to the conference programme 10.35am Opening Worship 10.50am The objective in our GIFTS for GOD programme. 11.00am Why we give our money (or our time, talent and money): (1) To respond to God’s giving to us 11.20am Group Bible study, focussed on prepared questions 11.45am Feedback from Bible study 12.00pm Lunch 1.00pm Why we give our money (or our time, talent and money): (2) To help the sharing of the gospel through the worship, mission and service of the Church 1.45pm Group discussion, focussed on prepared questions 2.15pm Feedback from group discussion 2.45pm Our vision for our future – A congregation shaped around the gifts of the people 3.00pm Closing Worship – Holy Communion 3.30pm Coffee and tea available before people leave (during which responses may be made) It is important in a day conference that there are – * a number of different voices in the presentation * a variety of types of presentation * a good mixture of listening/viewing and participation * an opportunity for response. A checklist for the conference: 1 Discuss with the Planning Group the venue for the conference - part(s) of the Church/Hall complex or outside premises – ensuring there is ample space for plenary sessions and group discussions; 2 Agree the programme for the conference 3 Organise, in consultation with the Minister, the leading of worship at the beginning and end of the conference; 4 Consider the types of presentation for the conference, identify the speakers required and design multi-media presentations required; 5 Invite the proposed speakers to participate, ensuring that they understand the objective of programme and what is expected from them in terms of time and content; 6 Make a list of the equipment required, e.g. data projector, laptop, DVD (or video) player, screen, and ask the Administration Convener to make arrangements for these to be available – please remember that everyone must be able to see what is projected on to a screen; 7 Consider the need for a public address system – everyone must be able to hear what is said; 8 Arrange a display of the life of the Church around the perimeter of the hall – showing aspects of the current life of the congregation and aspects of the national and global work of the Church of Scotland; 9 Make arrangements for the serving of tea and coffee at the beginning and end of the conference; 10 Make arrangements for the preparation and serving of lunch, ensuring that the current requirements for preparing and serving food are observed; 11 Obtain Response Cards from the Publicity Convener for distribution at the conference; 12 Make arrangements for the completion and return of Response Cards at the end of the conference, ensuring that a record is kept of those who have responded and do not require a further visit or telephone call. 13 Make arrangements to provide transport for those who would be unable to attend the conference otherwise. The number of items on the above checklist shows how important it is that the Event Convener has a team among whom duties may be shared. Message The message at any Christian stewardship event should be positive. This is achieved by emphasising: * Christian giving is a joyful response to God’s generous giving to us. * Christian giving is an opportunity to share the gospel through the worship, mission and service of the Church. God’s generous giving to us can be highlighted in the opening worship at gatherings or a day conference. It can also be featured in part of an exhibition. There should be some reference to God’s giving at the beginning of a brochure. At the beginning of the introduction to this GIFTS for GOD planning guide, there is this statement: Christian stewardship begins with God’s gifts to us – * Life in his world * Space and time * Strengths and talents * Loving care * The good news of his forgiving and reconciling love in Jesus Christ. Our Christian giving as a joyful response to these gifts from God is a very important part of the message at the main event. The other important part of the message is persuading and convincing members and adherents that their Christian giving is supporting a worthy cause – the sharing of the gospel through the worship, mission and service of the Church. Talk about Christian giving often gets bogged down in discussion about local expenses relating to the buildings and the Ministries and Mission allocation which has to be sent to the Church Offices in Edinburgh. It is important that the work done through local expenditure and the work done through the Ministries and Mission allocation are highlighted. The following template may be useful in creating a positive presentation on sharing the gospel through the work of the Church: We give money to make a difference to the life of our community, our nation and our world by sharing the gospel through the work of the Church. Our giving helps to maintain our buildings. ……… Church is * a house of prayer in the midst of a busy world, * a place for hearing God’s word for our lives, * a venue for baptisms, marriages and funerals, * a centre for children and young people to grow in their Christian faith, * a home for Church groups (list these), * a place for community groups to meet (list these). Our buildings enrich the life of our community. Our giving helps to provide 1,000 parish ministers throughout Scotland. The Rev ………… serves our congregation and parish through * leading worship and preaching God’s word, * caring for people, especially when they are ill, anxious or bereaved, * helping people to celebrate in baptism or marriage, * chaplaincy at …… School, * providing spiritual leadership. Our minister is an asset to our community. Our giving makes a difference beyond our community through the national and global work of the Church of Scotland – * providing chaplains for hospitals, prisons and the world of industry and commerce, * caring for the most vulnerable in society in a Christian environment, * partnership with Churches in some of the poorest countries of the world, * resourcing congregations for mission, education, stewardship, and new ways of worship, * recruiting and training ministers and specialist workers for tomorrow’s Church, * engaging with the social, moral, political and technological issues of today and commenting on these from a Christian perspective, * developing ecumenical relationships with other Christian Churches and faith communities. Local expenditure meets the costs relating to the first set of bullet points above. The Ministries and Mission allocation meets the costs involved in the second and third sets of bullet points. Members and adherents should be informed about the actual costs involved – after they have heard about the good work this money does. The Congregational Treasurer will be able to provide details of expenditure. The Stewardship section in the Church Offices can provide further information about the Ministries and Mission allocation – how much is used for each aspect of the work. If your event is also highlighting the giving of time and talent to increase involvement, it is important that the message connects the time and talent given with the sharing of the gospel. This connection is fairly clear if someone is involved in children’s ministry or youth work. It is less clear if someone helps maintain the buildings in one way or another : in this situation the purpose of the buildings as detailed in the first set of bullet points above should be highlighted. If your event is highlighting a special project, the nature of the project and its connection with the worship, mission and service of the Church is the message. In presenting the message, do not be negative – * DON’T talk about deficits and books that will not balance * DON’T apologise about asking for more money for God’s work. Remember the important role which all members and adherents, including the housebound, can play – praying for the sharing of the gospel through the work of the Church. CONCLUSION When a congregation completes GIFTS for GOD, the Planning Group should try to assess the value of the programme for the life of the congregation. * In what ways has the programme enhanced the life of the congregation? * In what ways has the programme advanced the worship, mission and service of the Church? * How many more people are involved in the life of the congregation? * In what ways have people increased their involvement? * In what ways have people deepened their commitment? * To what extent have the offerings of members and adherents increased? * To what extent have the offerings of members and adherents become more committed? * To what extent has the method of giving changed? * How many members have decided to give through Gift Aid? * In what ways did the programme not meet your expectations? (Some of the above questions may be less relevant if you were concerned only about the giving of money.) An honest appraisal of the programme and its results should be submitted to the Kirk Session by the Planning Group – with recommendations for continuing teaching and promotion of Christian stewardship. It is important that the teaching and promotion of Christian stewardship is not an occasional event in the life of the congregation, but becomes an integral part of that life. Christian stewardship should be part of the culture of every congregation. It is also very important that the results of the programme are communicated to the congregation. (This has often been done through a final newsletter, using the same format as the newsletters issued prior to the programme.) The staff of the Stewardship and Finance Committee would welcome a copy of your assessment of the programme as this helps them identify where changes are required. The development of stewardship programmes is an ongoing process, and the comments of those who have used programmes are a valuable part of this process. APPENDIX 1 ANALYSIS OF GIVING Analysing the giving of money in the congregation is a very useful exercise. It provides information on the number of members and adherents who are actually giving money. It may also show how dependent the congregation is on the generous giving of a few members and adherents. The table overleaf is designed to provide the information that will be most useful. Please note: 1 As some members and adherents give weekly and others give monthly, it is recommended that you use annual amounts in the table. 2 Some husbands and wives give as a couple. Their total giving should be divided by 2 to give an amount for giving per member/adherent. 3 Recorded giving will usually be through offering envelopes or standing order. If some members or adherents give by cheque, include them in the ‘offering envelopes’ column. 4 The tax recovered on offerings made through the Gift Aid scheme should not be included. There is a column to show how many members and adherents in each band have signed Gift Aid Declarations and made it possible for tax to be recovered. 5 In each of the columns – Envelopes, Standing Orders, Total, Gift Aid – it is the number of members and adherents giving in each band that should be entered. 6 At the foot of the table, the number of members and adherents with no recorded giving will include those who give through the open plate. Those members and adherents who give the most money are not necessarily the most generous givers. The Christian giving of money must always be related to the income of the giver. It is also very important to note that a person’s level of giving is often related to his/her level of commitment – faith in God and love for God. Annual Giving (£) Envelopes Standing Orders Total Gift Aid Up to 60 61 to 120 121 to 180 181 to 240 241 to 300 301 to 360 361 to 420 421 to 480 481 to 540 541 to 600 601 to 720 721 to 840 841 to 960 961 to 1080 1081 to 1200 1201 to 1500 1501 to 1800 1801 to 2100 2101 to 2400 2401 to 2700 2701 to 3000 Over 3000 The total number of members and adherents in the congregation is ________ The total number with recorded giving (from table above) is ________ The total number with no recorded giving is ________ APPENDIX 2 RAISING A LARGE SUM FOR A PROJECT When raising a large sum for any project there are several things you need to do. Some guidelines are listed below, but they are not exhaustive: * Know the scope of your project and its purpose. Such clarity will be essential in approaching both the congregation and grant-giving bodies. * Ensure you have permission of Presbytery to implement your plans, and in the case of building works, you should also have permission from the General Trustees, which may involve the Church Art and Architecture Committee, as well as the local planning authority. * Know how much money the project requires, including contingencies, and how much cash flow you will require to enable the work. * Set up a separate bank account to service the project and appoint a treasurer to operate the account. When raising a large sum of money you will undoubtedly be approaching the congregation to raise some of the money. The GIFTS for GOD programme should help with this part of your project. It is important that the congregation contributes to the project if you hope to attract money from other sources. There are several ways the congregation may raise money: * pledged amounts over a period of time * donations * interest-free loans * fund raising events * sale of assets * use of reserves There are also grant-giving trusts and foundations that may be willing to support your project. Identify a small team who will pursue these avenues. Some grants may be held locally and you can explore the following sources for information: * Presbytery * Local authority * Local libraries * Church of Scotland General Trustees * Church of Scotland Year book The General Trustees may also be prepared to lend money to your congregation at competitive rates. For grant-givers further a field, you need to widen your search. The internet is a wonderful tool for finding out about trusts and foundations. There are several specialized search engines where you can register (at a cost) that will allow you to focus your search for aid. Such engines allow you to enter the key criteria of your proposed project so that you are furnished with a list of trusts and foundations that may match your input and therefore may be willing to support an application. Some congregations have used www.trustfunding.org.uk, but there are many others. Some local libraries and councils for voluntary service may have hard copy directories of grant-giving trusts and funds, or give internet access to Funderfinders which is another online search engine. When applying for grants it is important to act early. Grant-giving bodies usually consider applications at certain times of the year. It is unlikely that they will give money retrospectively. To improve your chance of successful application here are some things to consider: * Ensure you apply for money in advance of the project starting. React positively to trust deadlines. * Check that their criteria for applications match your own. Don’t waste time and effort on making application where these are at odds. Check also for caveats on exclusions e.g. geographical location, religious bodies etc. * Telephone the trust representative and discuss your project, being clear about scope, purpose, beneficiaries etc. and ask if it is possible that some support may be given. If the answer is yes, ask how the application should be submitted, e.g. on their form or in your own format. Arrange to receive their application pack if this is available. The trust representative can sometimes be extremely helpful in guiding you in your application. * Carefully complete your application for grant. Whether application form or letter, here are some things that you will need to include, some of which have already been mentioned: * name and address of congregation * scope of your project * estimated cost of your project – documentation at a later stage * time scale you are working to * partnerships involved - if any * who will benefit from the project and what will the benefits be * how much you are contributing towards the project * how much you are applying to the trust for. * other trusts and grant-making bodies you have applied to and whether you have been successful in achieving funds - it is often an encouragement to funders to see that others are supporting your project. Much of the above could be contained in a brochure, where you would have the opportunity to include photographs, drawings etc., depending on the project you are funding. It is worth spending some time to produce a professional brochure/application which shows the thought and consideration that has been given to your project. Trusts will not support “ideas” : they will only support firm proposals. Keep your application brief and to the point. Unless otherwise guided by the trust, letters should be no longer than 2 sides of an A4 page. Trustees simply do not have time to sift through reams of paper. After submission of the application, contact the trust to ensure it has been received. Be prepared to keep in contact with them, supplying any further information they may require, as appropriate. Remember to acknowledge their correspondence and thank them for any grant received. APPENDIX 3 TRAINING FOR CONTACT The first part of this appendix deals with the preparation and training of those who will call at the homes of members and adherents. The second part deals with the preparation and training of those who will make telephone calls to members and adherents. The final section on ‘Commissioning’ is relevant to both means of contact with members and adherents. Training of Visitor Team Leaders and Visitors The first training session involves Visitor Team Leaders. They should be recruited, and this training session should be held, as soon as possible during the planning process. The preparation and training of Visitor Team Leaders should include: * a clear statement of the objective in your GIFTS for GOD programme, * an outline of the event at the heart of the programme, * a detailed explanation of the purpose and duties of Visitor Team Leaders (see the Team Leaders Guide on the first landscape sheet at the end of this Planning Guide), * a clear understanding of what is expected from visitors. The purpose and duties of Visitor Team Leaders are: * to invite people to be visitors – from a list provided by the Contact Convener, * to be the link between a team of visitors and the Contact Convener throughout the programme, * to support a team of visitors throughout the programme, * to attend the training session for visitors, * to distribute all relevant literature to a team of visitors, * to collect responses from a team of visitors, * to ensure that every home in the districts of a team of visitors is visited. The second training session involves all visitors. The preparation and training of visitors should include: * a clear statement of the objective in your GIFTS for GOD programme, * an outline of the event at the heart of the programme to which they will be inviting members and adherents, * a clear understanding of what is expected from visitors – (1) to visit each home in their district, personally invite members and adherents to the event at the heart of the GIFTS for GOD programme, and receive rsvp for the event (if applicable), (2) to attend the event, (3) to deliver the brochure and response card to all those in their district (if they have not already received these at the event), (4) to make their own response to the message of the programme, (5) to visit each home in their district to receive responses from members and adherents (if they have not already completed these at the event), (6) to return responses to their Visitor Team Leader. All visitors should receive a Visitor Pack which will include: * some general material on Christian giving from the Church Offices, * the leaflet So you’re going to be a Visitor from the Church Offices, * one copy of the invitation to the event, * one copy of the brochure for the programme, * one copy of the response card, * a form of identification (if required), * a list of the names and addresses of those to be visited, along with the requisite number of invitations (and rsvp if required). PROGRAMME FOR VISITOR TRAINING SESSION 7.30pm Opening Worship – Our God is a giving God 7.40pm The objective of our GIFTS for GOD programme and an outline of the Event at the heart of the programme 7.50pm Issue Visitor’s Packs 7.55pm The Invitation Visit – (a) Personal Preparation (b) Getting into the Home (c) Delivering the Invitation (d) Dealing with Difficulties (e) Leaving the Home (f) Arrangements for returning rsvp (It is important that visitors have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments throughout this part of the training session.) 8.35pm The Response Visit – (a) The Purpose of the Visit (b) Dealing with Difficulties (Visitors should have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments.) 9.05pm Arrangements for - (1) Commissioning Service (2) Collection of material for Response Visit (perhaps a brief gathering after Sunday Worship) (3) Return of Responses (4) Visitor Feedback meeting 9.20pm Closing Worship – God is with us Training for Telephone Contact If you are contacting members and adherents by telephone, the invitation to the event is posted, and the telephone contact is a follow up to the posted invitation. After the event has taken place, brochures and response cards are posted to those who did not attend, and a second telephone call is made with two weeks of the event to all who have not yet responded. Those who make the calls may do so from their own home phones. There may be an advantage in setting up a ‘call centre’ at the Church (provided the reception is good), with the callers making the calls at the same time, using mobile phones. This latter option will give callers more confidence and make it possible for immediate support if a difficulty arises. A script is provided for the first and second telephone calls on the second landscape sheet at the end of this Planning Guide. A record sheet for this first and second telephone calls is on the third landscape sheet at the end of this Planning Guide. The training of callers should include: * a clear understanding of the congregation’s objective in the GIFTS for GOD programme, * an outline of the event at the heart of the programme, * a familiarity with the scripts and record sheets for the first and second calls, * cultivating the right attitude/manner for the call, * clear instructions about when the each of the two calls should be made, * a discussion of difficulties which may arise. Members and adherents who make their response to the message of the GIFTS for GOD programme at the event will not require a second call. A second call should be made to – (a) those who attended the event, but have not yet made their response, (b) those who did not attend the event. It is important that an envelope is always issued with the response card. This should bear the name and address of the Follow Up Convener. An addressed envelope can be posted or handed in at Church. Commissioning of Visitors or Callers The following is a suggested order for the commissioning of visitors/callers. This would normally take place after the sermon, towards the end of Sunday Worship. It is suggested that the visitors/callers sit in their normal places and stand there when they are asked by the Minister. Minister Will the visitors/callers please stand? Brothers and sisters in Christ, you have agreed to contact all who belong to this congregation as part of the GIFTS for GOD programme. This is an important contribution to the life of this congregation. In undertaking this service you are following in the footsteps of all who have gone out in Christ’s name – to share the good news of God’s giving and to call people to respond in a generous and committed way. Jesus once said to the apostles: “ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” These great words of commission remind us that when we reach out in Christ’s name, we are not on our own. Our risen Saviour and Lord is with us every step of the way, giving us the strength and direction we need to fulfil our task. Let us pray We thank you, God, for all who respond to your call to service. We pray that you will guide them and support them as they fulfil their task. Today we pray especially for those who will be visitors/callers during the GIFTS for GOD programme. We pray that they will receive a warm welcome. We pray that their words may be received positively. We pray that, through their contact and our exhibition / meal / gatherings / conference, your people here may be led to greater interest in your Church and deeper commitment to the service of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. This may be followed by the singing of the hymn, ‘Lord, speak to me, that I may speak’ (CH4 542 / CH3 485) Gifts for God Gifts for God 2 1